by Beverley Rudland
by Bryan Duncan
by Karl Hale
by Linda Barker
by David Wood
by Bryan Duncan
by Jenny MacPherson
by Leia Dowsing
by Karl Hale
by Tom Coomber
by André Castle
by Sonnie Westley
by Editor
by Committee
by Karen Payne
by Mike Roberts
by Karen Payne

Next Issue
Closing date for copy – Friday after club night. Send via e-mail or on a USB
memory stick (which will be returned) or even hand-written, not a problem.
The Editor reserves the right to edit, amend or omit as he feels fit.

Chairman's Chat
A very warm welcome to the February
edition of the SAM Observer, this being
my twelfth Chairman's Chat since being
elected at last years Annual General
Meeting (AGM). It's been quite a busy
but nonetheless interesting year for me
getting to know what's required to keep
an organisation like SAM running and
understand the amount that we achieve
as a group. These achievements only
being possible due to the time and effort
put in by you, the SAM membership, on
an individual and team based effort. For
this I'm extremely grateful, as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure
that all of those that benefit and continue to benefit from your contributions are
also grateful, in terms of their journey through the IAM Skill For Life
programme and of course the active social side of SAM. So a sincere Thank
You to everyone.
If you'd like to be involved and put something back then there are many
opportunities available from administration, organising events, promoting
SAM, helping out at charity events, ride leading & co-ordinating social rides,
observing and roles within the committee, all of which are essential to the
smooth running of the group.
Another essential element of keeping SAM running are its finances. Simply
put, if we don't receive enough income to balance our out-goings we wouldn't
be able to operate, just like any other business. The group's income consists of
annual membership fees, advertising, entry fees at group nights / special events
and donations for assisting other organisations, such as the motorcycle parking
at the Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club's show. There are a couple of other
ways you can help to raise what might be small amounts individually, but
collectively add up to a significant amount, at no cost to you. The first is to
Gift Aid your annual membership fee. Please see the centre pages for more
details. The second is through The Giving Machine when shopping on-line
having added Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists as your cause. Here's how it
works:
https://www.thegivingmachine.co.uk/how-it-works/
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Many thanks to Michael Shade and Karen Finch from the Hearing Care Centre
for their hearing protection talk at January's group night. Their main message
being the importance of protecting your hearing from the continuous, engine
and wind noise generated whilst riding. If you missed January's group night I'll
be bringing a number of their goodie bags with me to this months group night.
They include a ÂŁ10 discount and free hearing assessment voucher offer, up
until the end of February, against an order for a set of custom made moulded
ear plugs for SAM members. If you find that you may not make it to
February's group night and would like to take up the offer then I have an
electronic (PDF) version of the voucher that I'd be happy to forward to you on
request.
I have a set of solid moulded ear plugs which work very well. In fact, a little
too well at times in that I do get a slight sense of isolation whilst wearing them
and can't hear enough to hold a conversation with them in. So I liked the
sounds of (pun intended) a set with filters in order to be able to hold a
conversation whilst wearing them, being able to hear a little more of what's
going on around me, avoiding the sense of isolation whilst still protecting my
hearing when riding over a prolonged period of time. I'm writing this having
returned from my appointment with Melvyn Howe, who also attended last
month's group night. Melvyn provided a professional and friendly service
whilst performing my hearing assessment and taking the impressions for my
ear plugs. I'm now eagerly awaiting my set of custom made ACS Pro-27s.
http://www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/
This months group night is dedicated to the AGM and a celebration of the last
twelve months by way of the presentation of the SAM trophies. Please see the
2015 AGM minutes on page 9 for the origin and an explanation of each of the
trophies. At the time of writing the committee hasn't received signed, proposed
and seconded nomination forms for the roles of Vice Chairman or Secretary. If
you're considering one of these roles and would like to know more then please
contact me, the current Vice Chairman Martin Drury or current Secretary John
Sillett.
Cheers

Steve
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New Associate Members
A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members:

Rachel Cox Vaughan Shea
If anyone else has joined us and not had a mention yet, let the Editor know and
he will put your name in the next Issue

IAM Test Passes
Congratulations to the members who have passed their
Advanced test this month.
Tristan Gale
Pete Edwards
Miles Hubbard
Bob Clayton
Tristan Gale

his Observer was
Kevin Brendish
his Observer was
AndrĂŠ Castle
his Observer was
Lee Gage
his Observers were Ross McKinlay and Karl Hale
his Observer was
Kevin Brendish'

Thank YOU
Dear SAM,
I am writing to say an enormous thank you for
the fabulous caricature that you presented me
with just recently,( see cover picture) it is
absolutely brilliant and never fails to makes me
smile. The detail is amazing, from my Orla
Kiely phone cover to the Heingericke survivors
reference on the cycling jersey.
I love the artist for minimising my wrinkles
and not exaggerating the size of the red wine
glass and of course no caricature of my
motorbike would be complete without mentioning his name, ‘RAZOR’.
However, I do now feel compelled to write an article for the magazine
explaining how the name came about, as one member has already asked me if
the name came from having a lot of close shaves!! Clearly not everyone has
heard the story of me hastily writing ‘Collect R1200R’ on my calendar and
then thinking that it said ‘Collect RAZOR’.
Unfortunately, since handing over the role of Chairman, I have not been to as
many SAM group nights as I would have liked and in fact, I haven’t been out
on my motorbike quite as much this year as I had intended. It is for this reason
that I have hung the caricature in my office, to remind me that there is more to
life than work!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the SAM committee and always considered it
a privilege to be Chairman. Thank you once again for your kind words and
generosity on my retirement from the role.
With my very best wishes,

Beverley
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SAM AGM Minutes
th
17 February 2015
Meeting began at 19:32hrs with 49 members and 4 guests in attendance.
The Chairman, Beverley Rudland, welcomed all members and guests.
The minutes of the 2014 AGM were discussed, proposed and having been seconded were
accepted unopposed by the membership.
Audited accounts were discussed, proposed and having been seconded were accepted
unopposed by the membership.
The Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary then stepped down from the meeting whilst Vice
Chairman, Martin Drury, discussed the officer nominations.
It was announced that Beverley Rudland was standing down from the Chairman’s post. It
was also announced that Chief Observer Derek Barker, Paul Spalding, Steve Cook and
Vini Evans were standing down from their posts on the Committee.
Election of Officers:Only one nomination was received for the post of Treasurer, this was Bryan Duncan. This
nomination was proposed by David Rudland and seconded by Steve Cook.
There was also only one nomination for the post of Secretary, this was John Sillett. This
nomination was proposed by Martin Drury and seconded by Mike Roberts.
Those standing for election onto the Committee:Karl Hale to be Chief Observer – proposed by Linda Barker, seconded by Derek Barker.
Trevor Read – proposed by Steve Cook, seconded by Derek Barker.
Glyn Hill – proposed by Paul Spalding, seconded by Beverley Rudland.
Election of new Chairman, Steve Gocher – proposed by Beverley Rudland, seconded by
Bryan Duncan.
The AGM ended at 19:58hrs

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Following the AGM Beverley made the sad announcement that John Maddock had
recently passed away. John and Jenny Maddock founded SAM in late 1989.
Beverley and Steve went on to present the trophies:Gosden Trophy:
Maddock Trophy:
Rod Day Trophy:
Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trophy:

SAM Trophies
The Gosden Trophy is awarded to the associate who has shown sparkle and enthusiasm.
Bob Gosden, now retired, being a long standing IAM examiner.
The Maddock Trophy is awarded to the member who has made an outstanding
contribution to the running of the group. John and Jenny Maddock founded SAM in late
1989. Sadly John passed away in 2015.
The Rob Day Trophy is awarded to the outstanding Observer who has qualified during the
most recent observer training programme. Constructed and donated by Rob himself as a
former Chief Observer and founder member.
The Chairman's Trophy is awarded at the discretion of the Chairman in recognition of an
outstanding contribution to the running of the group.

Committee members: The group committee, who must be fully paid-up
members of both The Institute of Advanced Motorists and Suffolk Advanced
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Motorcyclists, shall constitute the trustees of the charity. Committee members
are elected by the members of the group at an Annual General Meeting.
At 31st December 2015, the officers of the committee were:S. Gocher
J. Sillett
B. Duncan

Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer

Bankers:

Barclays, New Market Place, Beccles, NR34 9HD

Aims and Objectives
The aim of the charity is to promote the improvement of riding standards and
help new members pass the IAM advanced test.
The charity promotes the club at SafeRider events, hosts publicity stands at
shows such as the Hadleigh Show and supplies volunteers at charity events
such as the Copdock Show. It is affiliated with the Institute of Advanced
Motorists and its members are also members of IAM.
Main achievements during the year
The club received a substantial donation of £3000 from the Copdock Show to
help promote its objectives. The charity invested in two further bike cameras
for Senior Observers to use when observing associates. This innovation had
already proved to be a useful tool in allowing the Senior Observer to replay the
film to show Associates how they could improve their ride. The club also
purchased Bike-to-Bike audio systems to allow verbal instructions from
Observers to Associates whilst on training rides. To aid recruitment, “Free
Assessment” rides were promoted to non-members during the year and the
Committee agreed to assist by replacing the £10 nominal contribution normally
made by the Associate towards the Observer by providing this contribution
from out of club funds.

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ending 31st December 2015
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The
charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under
section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011) and that an independent examination
is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
(i)
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
(ii)
To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given
by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)b of the 2011 Act
(iii)
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directives
given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the
accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts
presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual
items or disclosures in the accounts, seeking explanations from the trustees
concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the
evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is
given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is
limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiners qualified statement
In connection with my examination, all matters arising were resolved
satisfactorily. I therefore have no reasonable cause to believe that in any
material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance
with section 130 of the 2011Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with
the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the
2011 Act, have not been met.
Mary Lal-Sagar
3 Davey Lane
Charsfield
IP13 7QG

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INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
31st DECEMBER 2015
2015

2014

4898
811
0
1260
665
3000
218
10,852

5153
691
59
1560
265
3044
0
10,772

3785
776
412
1396
961
726
8056

4235
742
644
320
837
1093
7871

2796

2901

Income
Notes
Subscription
Gift Aid
Donations
Income from Social Events
Advertising Income
Promotional Income
Sundry income

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND
LIABILITIES
AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2015
Cash Assets
Bank Account
Debtor
Current Liabilities
Net Assets

4
5

2015

2014

18,416
0
0
18,416

16291
265
(936)
15,620

Represented by:
Accumulated Fund
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Balance at 1st January
Excess of income over expenditure

15,620
2,796
18,416

12,719
2,901
15,620

SUFFOLK ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS
Registerd Charity no. 1067800
Notes to the Accounts
1. Basis of accounts: These accounts have been prepared on a “receipts and
payments basis” and in accordance with S42 (3) Charities Act 1993.
2. Promotion income is specifically given for promoting the objectives of
the group. At 31st December the amount added to the fund was as
follows;
Income received
Expenses

SAM Theory Evenings
As most of you know, on the Thursday evening, directly
after Group Nights, SAM holds its monthly Theory
Evening. Based on an ever revolving subject list of
important rider skills these nights are an informal evening
of facts and lively banter all aimed at improving your ride
based on the information in â&#x20AC;&#x153;How to be a better riderâ&#x20AC;?.
Each session covers one of the four main topic areas;
Overtaking
Cornering

Planning & Positioning
Gears & Acceleration

Mainly aimed at Associates going through the Skill for Life course, these
evenings are also a good way for full members to brush up on their theory and
add their experiences and questions to the session.
The great benefit of attending these sessions in the classroom means it saves
time on the road, covering theory and has the added advantage of an
opportunity to discuss any issues you may have generally on your Skill for Life
Course.

Karl Hale,
The SAM Observer February 2016

SAM Chief Observer
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Page 15

SAM MEMBERSHIP FEES
SAM membership fees are due in January. The current cost is £22 for single
membership and £25 for joint membership. If you have a current standing
order with your bank for the correct amount, you need do nothing, your
membership card will automatically be sent or can be collected at Januarys
meeting.
If you do not have a standing order but would like your subs to be payed this
way, contact your bank online, or fill in the form (available on SAM’s website
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/samunder
Join
Us)
membership-renewal.html and send to your bank.
If you wish to pay with cash or by cheque please fill in a SAM membership
renewal form (available on the SAM website, under Join Us)
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/sam-membershiprenewal.html and either send this via post to me, my address is on the bottom
of the form, or I will be at January’s group night.
Thankyou

Linda Barker
Membership Secretary

Breakfast Run to
Thetford
For the October run, over thirty bikes, quite a few with pillions, met at
Martlesham Heath for the run to Thetford. On a fine dry warm day it was not
so much ‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’, more ‘Last tango in Suffolk’
before the wet and cold weather of winter. It was pleasing to note that 10
associates had come along to join in the fun and needed to be organised by
Ride Coordinator, Trevor Adams, into two groups for the trip. Thanks to Steve
Gocher who stepped in as an extra Ride Leader to help with the numbers.
After the briefing by Trevor, we were quickly dispatched in our groups of six
bikes, with my group first away. After a quick whizz along A12 to
Woodbridge, it was onto the more interesting country roads across to the
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B1078 and then B1079 at Clopton. After this we joined the A1077 and
followed it all the way to Attleborough: even I couldn’t get my group lost!
The surprisingly quiet roads allowed good progress with the riders spacing
themselves out along the lanes before re-forming into a tight group as we went
slowly through the villages/towns of Debenham Eye and Diss. We were even
lucky through the traffic-light controlled road works, everyone getting through
together.
Through Attleborough and along the B1108 to Watton, with only an occasional
group of cyclists to worry about. From Watton town centre, it was a quick run
down the broad A1075 to Thetford town centre. Here there was a strange
section to the ride where, instead of going straight on, the downloaded sat-nav
route sent us round a long loop before reaching the market place and our
destination. I thought I’d made a mistake but was relieved to note that Sara and
her group also arrived the same way.
We had found the destination easily enough but then encountered the first
problem of the day – where to park? All parking bays were occupied so we
showed our initiative and parked considerately on the wide pavement without
blocking the way for pedestrians. Later groups followed our example and
rather than being an inconvenience, we were a welcome attraction and brought
a bit of excitement to the sleepy Sunday peace of Thetford.
Once parked, we then encountered the second and more serious problem where to find a table and then endure the 30 minutes wait for breakfast to
arrive. (Thanks to Deidre & Paul for saving me a place and providing engaging
conversation while I waited for breakfast to arrive.) The pub was heaving with
diners even before the other groups arrived. No wonder it was quiet outside:
they were all in here enjoying the cheap food (and quite a few beers at 11am!):
How can you provide a full English with tea or coffee for about £3.50?
There was plenty of good socialising and chat before the return journey to
Ipswich. This was a pleasant ride down the A1088, where I caught up with
several other club members on their way home. After a short section on the
A14, it was onto the enjoyable A1120 before intersecting the B1077 again for
the final leg home.

David Wood
The SAM Observer February 2016

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There are three things, in the main, that has made
this club what it is today and helps set us apart from other clubs;
The first is obvious – a great bunch of people!
The second is our venue
The third is our award-winning magazine.
Unfortunately, the last two cost a lot of money to provide.
I know that I keep “banging on” about Gift Aid, but it really is that simple!
If you pay at least £7.00 in income tax, I can make a claim for Gift Aid which
will be of immense help to the club.
It does not matter if you are in full-time or part-time employment, or if you are
retired with an occupational pension on top of your government pension –
provided you pay at least £7.00 tax a year, I can claim!
Simply fill in and return the form opposite to the address below or hand it in at
club night and your £22.00 membership fee suddenly becomes worth a
whopping great £27.50……………..!!!

Bryan Duncan
3 Stone Cottages,
Chases Lane,
Saxmundham,
IP17 1PJ
If you are unsure as to whether to have already submitted a form, simply email
me at duncan173@btinternet.com and I can tell you immediately.

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If you are a UK
taxpayer, your
membership fee is
worth an extra 25% to
the club if you Gift Aid
it – all at no extra cost
to you!
Treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money made
This year

In the past 4 years

In the future

Please tick all the boxes you wish to apply
I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital
Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the
amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs
(CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand
that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.
Title……..…….Initials….…………Surname.................…..………………...…
Address………………………………………………………………..…………
………………………………………………………………………………..…
………………………………………………………………………………..…
………………………………………………………………………………..…
Signed…………………………………….……..Date……………...…………
Please notify any member of the committee if you wish to cancel, change your
details or no longer pay tax on your income
If you pay tax at the higher rate, you can claim further tax relief in your
Self-assessment tax form
Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists
Registered Charity Number: 1067800
Affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists - IAM Group Number 7219
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Join us for a
Ride 2 Remember

On Sunday 19th June 2016, motorcyclists will be joining East Anglian Air
Ambulance for a 75 mile sponsored motorcycle rideout and festival, in memory
of loved-ones, taking place at Stonham Barns in Suffolk. The route will
encompass some of the best views
the Suffolk countryside has to offer.
Ride 2 Remember is all about
raising vital funds for the East
Anglian Air Ambulance; a charity
which provides a free life-saving
Helicopter Emergency Medical
Service (HEMS) for the counties of
Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire
and Bedfordshire seven days a
week. With no government or
lottery funding, we rely on the
generous donations from the public
across these counties.
The festival after the rideout is family-orientated and there will be live bands,
food and refreshments, kids’ entertainment, as well as a memory wall for you
to add photos or mementos of loved-ones.
Taking part is just £8 if you register online or £5 for festival entry only and
kids go free! To register your place, simply visit our website at
http://www.eaaa.org.uk/events/ride2-remember/
If you have any questions, please
don’t hesitate to contact the
fundraising team on 01473 745007
or email
jenny.macpherson@eaaa.org.uk.
Together, we save lives.
We hope to see you there!
Jenny MacPherson
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BREAKFAST RUN 2016
6th March 2016
Posh Pigs,
Beccles,
NR34 7TD.
Telephone: 01502 717596
Meet at Tesco Car Park, Stowmarket IP14 5BE for a 09:15 Briefing and
subsequent departure.
All riders must attend Briefing.
Ride Co-ordinator is Dean Harris.
Turn right out of car park, at 3rd roundabout take 3rd exit and 3rd exit at next
roundabout then 1st exit onto B1115
Turn right at roundabout onto B1113
Turn right at Finningham White Horse PH
Turn left at T- junction onto A140
1 mile Turn right onto B1117 to Eye, In Eye Turn right at T-junction then
immediately left staying on B1117
Watch out for left turn sign posted Halesworth / Laxfield, Continue B1117 to
Halesworth
In Halesworth Turn right at first roundabout
Ahead at 2nd roundabout
Turn right at 3rd roundabout onto B1123
Pass under Railway Bridge and follow road for approx ½ mile
Turn left onto B1124
Turn left at T-junction onto A145 to Beccles
Turn right to on to Church Lane to Ellough Village
At crossroads turn left to Ellough Industrial Estate
At T junction turn right then left into Benacre Road ‘Posh Pigs’ will be sign
posted and on your left within Ellough Industrial Estate
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Ride Co-ordinators and
Ride Leaders
Ride Leaders and Ride Coordinators are the full SAM members that
facilitate SAM social rides. In order to maintain and hopefully increase
the club social rides, the club needs sufficient numbers to allow our
much-loved breakfast, Summer Chip and Winter Saturday Jaunts to
continue. If you are interested in helping the club, and helping yourself
by becoming a Ride Co-ordinator and ride Leader, please contact Sara
Hale or Leia Dowsing to find out more information about one or both
of these roles.

Please check the SAM Calendar and SAM Forum on-line for last minute
changes/cancellations. On the Forum you will also find the routes as text, route
cards, and on Google Maps / Streetview, along with a photo of the destination,
so you can familiarise yourself with the route before the day.

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Saturday Jaunt 2016
19th March 2016
La Hogue
Chippenham, nr Newmarket,
Ely,
Cambridgeshire,
CB7 5PZ
Tel: 01638 751128
http://www.lahogue.co.uk
Meet at car park behind B&M Copdock IP8 3TT in good time for 13:15
briefing and subsequent departure.
All riders must attend Briefing.
Ride Co-ordinator is Phil Sayer.
Exit onto Ipswich bound A1214 then turn left at Holiday Inn traffic lights and
join A1071 towards Hadleigh.
Continue over roundabout passing Hadleigh then take right onto the A1141
towards Lavenham.
Continue Following A1141 until Monks Eleigh where take take left onto
B1115.
At T Junction turn left then take right turn to Melford / Acton.
At T junction turn right then bear left onto A1092 to Clare.
As you leave Long Melford take right turn onto B1066.
At T junction turn left onto A143, entering Horringer take sharp right to
Westley at Junction turn left to Lt. Saxham.
At crossroads in Barrow turn right.
Turn Left onto A14 then take first exit B1506 to Newmarket.
At Bell Inn turn right into Station Road.
Straight over the roundabout at the A11 and continue until a very sharp S bend.
Turn left into La Hogue Road the cafe is approximately 他 of a mile on the
left.
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Social Rides
Please note that it is you, the rider, who is deemed to be in control of the
vehicle at all times during an Observed Run and during all other Group
activities and that the Committee of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists cannot
and do not accept any liability whatsoever for any injury to person or damage
to vehicle occurring in the course of any rally or other event organised by the
Group. Any member attending such an event does so entirely at his or her own
risk and must maintain their own insurance to cover any said injury to person
or damage to vehicle and must be riding a road legal vehicle, having valid road
tax, insurance and MOT certificate (if applicable).
Participants on S.A.M social rides are advised of the Events Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
guidelines as follows:
You will be expected to provide a suitable means of carrying a map of the
route
If possible, have breakdown cover for your machine.
Be responsible for your own safety
Rides will commence promptly at the published departure time.
Have a FULL tank of fuel
No more than 5 in a group.

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Sunday Rideout
Interactive DVD’s for Norfolk, Suffolk and
Essex for Sale.
100% of proceeds will go to SAM’s chosen charity SARS
(Suffolk Accident Rescue Service)
SAM became aware of these interactive DVD’s a few years ago when their
creator Martin Fuller came along to one club night and promoted them. That
night they were a hit and he had to post out copies to members because he ran
out of stock.
So what
Sunday
Rideout?

is

Well Martin
had a brain
wave
(and
plenty of time
on his hands),
he thought it
would be a good idea to create a number of routes around the three counties of
varying lengths. He then rode these routes filming some of the best sections.
He also visited places of interest together with some places to eat ensuring they
were all biker friendly. He then set about to create his interactive DVD’s which
features the filmed rides, the locations worth a visit together with an interactive
link to visit their websites, maps and route cards which could be printed and
the routes themselves which could be loaded onto GPS systems.
This is a great way to explore roads and places you wouldn’t normally consider
and takes the thought out where to go. Martin has heard that we at SAM are
raising money this year for SARS so he kindly donated 50 sets of the 3
interactive DVD’s. They would normally retail at £9.99 a set but we are asking
for only £5.00 per set. Remember the money raised is going to a very good
local cause.
If you are interested in owning a set of Sunday Rideout they are on sale at the
front of the hall during club night at Finn Valley.

Karl Hale
The SAM Observer February 2016

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Page 27

My Smiling Xtreme 125
Having owned and ridden VFRs for the last ten years, and being the current
owner of the latest version (love it) since 2014, I felt that I needed something
lighter at my tender age for short distance shopping runs and to have some
Xtreme fun on throughout the year and not just for touring and ride-outs.
At the NEC show last year, or it may have been the year before, I saw the most
incredible small 125cc bike and immediately fell in love with it. That bike
being the Mini Street Xtreme, Honda MSX125, part mini-bike, part
motorcycle. It was never far from my thoughts and I kept asking myself if I can
justify buying a second bike. The answer to that came on a visit to Lings,
Foxhall Road, when I saw that they had a white used unit in for sale. Having
sat on it and discussed it with some of their (Lings) technicians, who raved
over its qualities and abilities, it raised my decision to purchase from 49% to
75%. In the back of my mind I kept thinking of the MSX until one day in
August I called in to see Mark Gardiner at Lings and asked him to order one
for me. The colour I wanted was a gorgeous yellow - well at least I think it is,
was not available for immediate delivery and could be some time before they
could get me one. I held on until one day in mid-September, Mark contacted
me to say that he'd got a lovely little yellow motorbike in the showroom
waiting for a rider. With incredible haste I went to the showroom, agreed the
number plate (seeing is believing) and a collection date. That date was the 23rd
September and what a lovely day it turned out to be, even the weather being in
my favour.
It was with some trepidation that I rode off from the showroom on my MSX
(also known as a Grom - haven't got a clue why) as I wondered how it would
feel to be riding on small tyres (120/7-12 front and 130/70-12 rear) compared
to my VFRs. My worries were without foundation as it handled beautifully,
like all Hondas. Going around bends is like moving on railway tracks (without
the compressed leaves), every element is smooth, positive and reassuring. A
friend of mine who followed up behind me on his Rocket III during a
subsequent run said that he could see how much I was enjoying it, particularly
round the twisties and bendies. Whilst it won't break the Sound Barrier I've
found the acceleration and speed more than adequate for my needs. To date
I've overtaken a tractor towing a trailer - a truly awesome experience, and two
buses, admittedly whilst they were stopped to pick up their passengers (but it's
the principle that counts). Don't get me wrong, the bike is no slouch, having
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seen an indicated 65mph, but this is very dependent on road topography, all-up
weight and weather. Being more familiar with riding more powerful bikes, like
my VFRs, the one frustrating part is how much road you need when passing
other traffic, not a fault of the MSX but, as we are aware, of all lower capacity
bikes. It happened recently whilst riding along a straight(ish), national speed
limit road, when the car in front was alternating between 35 and 38 mph. The
amount of road remaining to me before a staggered crossroads would have
made a safe overtake a risky manoeuvre, but would have been perfectly safe
for my VFR. You just have to remember to programme yourself for the
differences between the bikes you are riding. Something we, as SAM members,
are already aware of.
It is, without question, a very cheap to run motorbike. Having filled tits 5.5 litre
tank a few times I've achieved between 133 and 148 mpg. Coupled with
ÂŁ17/year road tax and ÂŁ33 to have it added to my existing policy, even I, a poor
hard-done-by pensioner can afford to run it. It is not the type of machine that
youngsters starting out on their motorcycling life to go for as it is most likely
due to its size which doesn't display much street cred. I've been told that, in the
main, the type of person that buys the MSX125 is an experienced rider in the
upper age range who, like me, wants something with a large grin factor
attached to it whilst still being functional. I definitely get more stares when
riding the 'Grom' than any other
bike I've owned or ridden. I like to
think it's envy rather than pity, but
it certainly bring a smile to some of
the faces.
So what exactly is the MSX125. It
is powered by a PGM-FI fuel
injected air cooled 2-valve single
cylinder engine of 124.9cc, with a
maximum power output of 9.7 bhp
at 7,000 rpm (red lined just after
8,000). Four forward gears (no
reverse). An electric starter.
Stopping is by 220mm single disc
with hydraulic dual piston brake
calliper on the front and a 190mm
single piston brake on the rear. Be
assured it has more than sufficient
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stopping power to suit most riding styles. 31mm USD front forks and a mono
shock rear. It has a kerb weight of just under 102 kg and, for the benefit of all
low down bums a seat height of 765mm. If you want proof of its abilities, and a
good laugh, look on YouTube at gromkhana and gromkhana II. It has cult
following with an amazing range of bolt-on goodies available (msxsport.com),
including a big bore kit taking it up to 183cc if anyone wants it.
Don't be shy blokes (my generic term for male and female bikers) should you
choose to get one as, with the dark visor down, your friends won't know it's
you inside your lid. It really is a grin a minute bike to ride but, at the same
time, ideal for those little journeys when you don't want to get your
heavyweight big-boy's bike out for.

Tom Coomber

Weston Super Mare
Beach Race 2015
The Beach Race at Weston is a key date on the motocross calendar and an
event that I've always wanted to attend. The race circuit is around 7km long
with one long straight that must be nearly 2km long. The beach is transformed
over 10 days with around 200,00 tonnes of sand moved to create the huge sand
banks. This race has been an annual event since 1983 and attracted 1,500 riders
this year.
One circuit takes around 15 mins to navigate (for the good riders). There are a
mixture of events over the weekend starting with practice on Friday. Quads,
kids, youth races with the adult race on Sun afternoon.
Fortunately I was able to stay with friends close by, there is a wide range of
Sea side B&B's and hotels available, but you would have to book early if you
wanted something special. Camping is another option although this year the
weather was mild I'm sure it's not always so pleasant.
So armed with my camera we 'hit the beach' on Sunday along with a large
crowd of spectators. The first race was the juniors, each race is 1hr 15 mins
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long and the lads and lasses looked completely 'shot' when the race finished.
These motocross folk are FIT, the duration and pure physical exertion is very
demanding on the riders and of course riding a bike through coarse wet sand
must really take a toll on the bikes a well.
The final race is the adult solo race and this is truly a blast on all your senses!
The race commences as the riders run to their bikes which are held in a
compound, they start up and ride to the starting gate and 'jockey' for position,
elbow to elbow amateur and professional riders all line up. The sound of nearly
500 bikes launching off the start line is stunning. They race around 250m
before approaching a steep soft sand bank, once negotiated the riders are out
onto the beach straight to blast 2kms down the beach. The preferred technique
to maintain stability is to sit right back on the rear mudguard (contrary to the
usual sitting on the tank) this I guess maintains full grip, the bikes are very
unstable at these speeds and you can see the 'wobble' as the riders fight to keep
in-line. Once at the end it's hard left into a wicked series of short pitch low
humps of never ending soft sand, they then race to the large dune section where
the dunes must be 20m high. The sand seems to sap the speed of the bikes as
they ride up the dunes so there is very little 'aerial' motocross with no giant
leaps at this event. Wherever you look riders are losing pace and falling, they
drag the bike up and jump back on, often to suffer the same disaster on the next
dune. How they keep going is a testament to their fitness and passion for this
race.
So that's it, yes it's a 3 ½ hr trip, but the race was very memorable and certainly
the smell and sound of this crazy race will remain as a lasting memory.
Take some waterproof boots, and be prepared to spend a lot of time walking
you need to get to see as much of the circuit as possible. If you choose to ride
down there are some great roads around Cheddar and Wells so I'd suggest
making a long weekend and enjoying the local scenery at the same time.
The race takes place each year in Oct and the Website for the organisers is:http://rhlactivities.com/events/rhl-beach-race-2015

André Castle
Note from Editor, Due to the huge amount of pictures sent in the Editor got in
a muddle and André’s pictures are on page 2 of December 2015 magazine.
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A LITTLE POSTSCRIPT TO
OUR HOLIDAY IN THE U.S.A.
Reference to the U.S.A. holiday we had last year if anyone is interested Jean
and I used Travel Counsellors for the second time and once again found them
very professional, enthusiastic, and thorough. Price wise they were very
competitive and the bonus is that they will visit your home and tailor a holiday
to suit your requirements. Our agent Maria worked very hard for us and it
couldn't have worked out better.
Contact details: Web site.
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk.maria.moslinthomas
E mail, maria.thomas@travellcounsellos.com
Phone: 01473 852110

Sonnie Westley.

Editorial
Rain, Snow, Frost, Ice, Wind, the
prefect weather for motorbiking.
Needless to say mine is staying tucked
up under its duvet.
So whats happening, another hole was
dug for the garage and filled with 4
tonnes of hand made concrete.
The van had its MOT and passed when I
got home the headlight bulb had blown…. Now I have become a big fan of
LED lighting and the house is slowly being converted from Energy saving
bulbs to LED, back to the van, as the lights go out when the engine is turned
off, I just leave them on. Makes me more visible, its surprising how many
people jump out in front of me , cos they don’t what to be stuck behind a van.
But that’s another story…
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Anyway I get though dipped bulbs every six months or so, so I had a look on
line and found LED H7 bulbs, so ordered some hoping this would be the
answer, I also ordered a H4 to go in the bike headlight. When they arrived I
changed them over to the LED, but to my great disappointment they were
worse than just having side lights, so put the halogen bulbs back in.
Safe Riding

Thank you
To all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine. ☺
But….. what about the rest of you….

Closing date for copy Friday after club night

Advertise here

Annual
Rates:

Advertising

£25 for
1
/8 page

Advertise on the SAM
website
for
an
additional £25.

Contact:
Felix

07712649860

Sam.editor@btinternet.com

The SAM Observer February 2016

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£50 for ½ page
£75 for full page

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If you’d like to help save the Group on the printing and postage costs of your
monthly ‘hard copy’ of the ‘SAM Observer’ by opting to receive an email
notification instead, then please give me your email details on Group Night or
send me an email.
I hope that you have been enjoying the reports that members who go on ride
outs have written, and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a wordy passage, so
feel free to scribble a few words down, a few pictures and next month you will
have another great magazine to read
Don’t forget to take your cameras and a notebook to record your trip then you
can write a nice article about it for your favourite magazine. I have a word
template if anyone would like it, email me and I’ll send you a copy which has
all the formatting re-set on it. Please remember that we use Times New Roman
as the main font for the magazine at a size 16 so that when the printer converts
the A4 pages down to A5 the font looks like a 12. I like pictures to be separate
to your articles because I can make them bigger or small to fill the page

Have to now ?
Sorry about the car in the background and mist but this was a photo, Page 39, is
of my 125 and Roger's BMW on a camping trip to Northern Spain
(mediterranean coast) Taken on the D914 (a stunning coastal road) looking
back at Cerbere near the French/Spanish border just before we entered Spain
(destination Sant Pere Pescador)

Will try hard to write an article for you. ☺

Karen Payne

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MEMBER INFORMATION
A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our
website. Below are some key links members will find useful.
CONTACTS
Contact details of SAM’s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs
so you can recognise everyone.
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/com
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/obs
CALENDAR
Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your
smartphone.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/cal
OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER
What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM
motorcycle test.
Contact: Karl Hale
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/chart
CARING SAM
Our customer service & complaints procedures.
Contact: Brian Ellis
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/care
DISCOUNT SCHEME
Proof of identity will be required to be shown. (e.g. Current IAM/SAM
membership cards). Save your membership fee, and more, by using these
retailers who give a discount to SAM members.
Contact: David Arbon
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/disc
ADVERTS
Got something to sell? Want to see what other members are selling? See our
online adverts section.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/ads
SHOPS
T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAM’s two
online shops.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/shop
FORUM
All the latest news and discussion on all things SAM and motorcycle related.
Have a read, and then register to join in.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/forum
The SAM Observer February 2016

Tuesday 19th
SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed
by Guest Speaker, Derek McMullan from the Council of IAM Trustees. Bar
and restaurant serving all types of food/drinks including teas and coffees.
Thursday 21st
Theory Evening. Fynn Valley Golf Club. Come along
and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topic: Overtaking
Fri 22nd ~ Sat 23rd Safe Rider. If you can help the Publicity Team on the
Saturday of this event, please contact Events team
Thursday 28th
Briefing.

First Chip Run,. TBA. All riders must attend

June 2016
Sunday 19th
A Ride 2 Remember, 75 mile sponsored motorcycle
rideout and festival http://www.eaaa.org.uk/ride-to-remember/ Also see the
advert in the February magazine on page 22

Note from Editor
Please check the SAM Calendar & Forum for further details and for any
changes after going to press. Especially in winter months when the weather can
be unpredictable

Disclaimer
The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the
Institute of Advanced Motorists or the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclist Group.
They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view
that free expression promotes discussion and interests.